Question

Explain hybridisation and geometry of [NiCl4]^-2 on the basis of valence bond theory ?

Answer 1

NiCl42- = Ni2+ + 4Cl-

NiCl42-, there is Ni2+ ion, However, in presence of weak field Cl- ligands, NO pairing of d-electrons occurs. Therefore, Ni2+ undergoes sp3 hybridization to make bonds with Cl- ligands in tetrahedral geometry. As there are unpaired electrons in the d-orbitals, NiCl42- is paramagnetic and is referred to as a high spin complex. 

 

KEY POINTS:

[NiCl4]2- Hybridization:sp3

[NiCl4]2- Shape & Structure: Tetrahedral

[NiCl4]2- Magnetic nature: Paramagnetic